dualityPlatinumDuality
Platinum
8 yrs, 11 mths ago

Korean makeup & skincare – my experiences and please share yours!

The list below is my personal experience with Korean brand makeup and beauty products. I’ve been converted for about 3 years when I picked some up overseas while in Asia and hooked ever since!

Please share your experiences and brands – I’ve only touched on a few! Some general notes I’ll start with:

Skincare – oil cleansers, solid oil balms, essences, ampoules, serums, confused? Read this helpful board on Reddit, it explains all the steps for Asian skincare and also some ingredients to look out for https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/2jcss2/asian_skincare_101_a_beginners_guide_faq/

Looking for trusted online sellers? check out this list on Reddit of trusted sellers people are purchasing through. https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/290to0/giant_list_of_websites_ebayers_etc/

also thanks to Preciousia this site also analyzes products and gives you a breakdown of ingredients: http://www.cosdna.com/

Asian Beauty Reddit is another board I stalk on a regular basis, it’s pretty helpful
https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/

edit to add I just tidied up the first post as I was getting tired scrolling past that long one lol

1,127 comments 125 voices

Replies

  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    1 mth, 2 wks ago

    I just came back from a week’s holiday in Seoul, and obviously had to fit in a little bit of skin care shopping. Surprisingly, the discounted prices we get here at Beauty Amora/ Lila Beauty are often lower than full price in South Korea. So I only bought things that were on sale, or had 1+1 (buy one get one free) offers. Obviously the selection is better in Seoul, if you go into one of the brand stores.

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    1 mth, 2 wks ago

    Currently in my Nov 2024 routine (I alternate between products):

    Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner (0.5% salicylic acid)
    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
    Isntree green tea fresh toner
    COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
    Ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex
    AHC Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream for Face (2nd tube)
    Marine Care Eye Cream
    Some by Mi Truecica Aqua Calming Sun cream
    Medi-Peel Active Silky Sun Cream
    Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

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    • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
      Platinum
      1 mth, 2 wks ago

      Oh I forgot, this too, took it on holiday and still using:

      Scinic Cicanoid Retinal Cream (0.05% retinal)

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      • Lisa359PlatinumLisa359
        Platinum
        1 mth, 2 wks ago

        So is all the skincare you are using at the moment Korean @Jupiter?

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        1 mth, 2 wks ago

        @Lisa359 I’m using products from local brands too (Dermal Therapy, CeraVe, The Ordinary etc), I tend to alternate my routine. I’m also on 0.025% tretinoin every two nights.

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  • Sharma
    Bronze
    Sharma
    2 mths ago

    Sure! One of the things I love about Korean skincare is the emphasis on layering lightweight products, like essences and serums, to achieve that glass skin look. And I can’t forget about the vibrant lip tints that last all day but feel super comfortable! What specific products or brands have caught your eye? Have you found any that have transformed your routine?

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  • EthelindePlatinumEthelinde
    Founding Member
    Platinum
    5 mths, 2 wks ago

    Thanks @Jupiter I still have several boxes of both. On an extremely low buy this year.

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    • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
      Platinum
      5 mths, 2 wks ago

      Good on you @Ethelinde, enjoy your stash! Can I ask if you use both those Elizavecca hair products in the same routine or do you alternate?

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    6 mths ago

    Currently in my July 2024 routine:

    Scinic first treatment essence
    Round Lab 1025 Dokdo toner
    Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner (0.5% salicylic acid)
    Missha Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule *new
    Medi-peel Bio Intense Glutathione White Ampoule *new
    Benton Bakuchiol serum (2.5% bakuchiol)
    MIGUHARA Anti-wrinkle Perfect Ample *new
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm
    AHC Ten Revolution Real Eye Cream for Face *new
    Pyunkang Yul Concentrated Eye Cream *new
    Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotic SPF50+/PA++++
    Numbuzin No.3 Porcelain Base Skip Tone Up Beige SPF 50+/PA++++

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    8 mths ago

    Currently in my May 2024 routine (I alternate between products, and also use western products)

    Scinic first treatment essence
    Round Lab 1025 Dokdo toner
    Benton Aloe BHA Skin toner (0.5% salicylic acid)
    Benton Bakuchiol serum (2.5% bakuchiol)
    Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm
    Logically, Skin Hydro Multi-Shield Sun Essence SPF30 PA++++
    Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotic SPF50+/PA++++
    Numbuzin No.3 Porcelain Base Skip Tone Up Beige SPF 50+/PA++++

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    9 mths, 2 wks ago

    Currently in my routine (I alternate between products)

    Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
    Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid
    Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
    Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X
    Cos de Baha Azelaic acid 10%
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
    Cosrx Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
    Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++++
    Logically, Skin Hydro Multi-Shield Sun Essence SPF30 PA++++
    Numbuzin No.3 Porcelain Base Skip Tone Up Beige SPF 50+/PA++++

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    • perthchickPlatinumPerthchick
      Founding Member
      Platinum
      9 mths, 2 wks ago

      @Jupiter I await your review on the Porcelain Base. Sounds interesting.

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        9 mths, 2 wks ago

        @Perthchick, I was so excited to try the numbuzin porcelain sunscreen since it’s one of the few korean tinted sunscreens that lean warm rather than pink. It has a lovely application experience, but sadly, it makes me look too pale. I am about #23 in Korean BB creams and foundations (MAC shade NC17). I’d say only suitable for those who are #21 or lighter in korean shades 🙁

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  • lin_nyPlatinumLin_ny
    Platinum
    11 mths, 3 wks ago

    yes highly recommend this hair serum too!

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  • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
    Platinum
    11 mths, 3 wks ago

    These are the k-beauty products that are part of my routine at the moment. I don’t use all of them at the same time.

    Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
    Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid
    Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
    ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
    Cos de Baha Azelaic acid 10%
    Isntree Aloe Soothing Moist Gel
    Mizon Snail All In One Repair Cream
    COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream (alternating with Adapalene)
    Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++
    Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Sleeping Pack

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    • RINNY
      Bronze
      RINNY
      5 mths, 2 wks ago

      @Jupiter, I’m currently using the COSRX Snail Mucin Eye Cream and their Snail Mucin Power Essence. I’m not completely sold on either product but have a friend who swears by them. I think I need to give both more time

      Thanks for sharing your product list. What do you think of the COSRX Vit C cream?

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        5 mths, 2 wks ago

        @RINNY I’m not sure if your comment was really old but only just unblocked today.

        I didn’t use a COSRX Vit C Cream, but if you meant the COSRX 0.1 retinol cream, I’ve finished it now – I shared it with my husband who has started using retinol about a year ago. It’s a nice cream, no irritation on his sensitive skin.

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    • Natabarkan
      Bronze
      Natabarkan
      11 mths, 1 w ago

      ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule What is your impression of this serum? I’ve been wanting to try it for a long time, but I’ve seen conflicting reviews

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      • jupiterPlatinumJupiter
        Platinum
        11 mths, 1 w ago

        @Natabarkan, my reply to you was blocked. Trying again – it’s a very good serum for strengthening the skin barrier and it’s nicely h-y-d-r-a-t-i-n-g. It’s a staple for me and have repurchased many times – great for managing any irritation from strong retinoids.

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  • Lucy16PlatinumLucy16
    Platinum
    1 yr, 5 mths ago

    I’m currently using the Lululun Hydra V masks and loving them.

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